Second Mughal Emperor of India
Humayun was born on March 6, 1508, in Kabul (present-day Afghanistan). He was the eldest son of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. He received education in Persian, Arabic, mathematics, and astronomy, and was trained in military arts from a young age.
After Babur's death in 1530, Humayun became the second emperor of the Mughal dynasty. His reign was marked by both challenges and achievements, with several internal conflicts and external threats during his early years of rule.
In 1540, Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri at the Battle of Kannauj. He was forced to flee India and spent nearly 15 years in exile, taking refuge in Persia. During this time, he built alliances and received support from the Safavid Empire.
With Persian military aid, Humayun re-entered India in 1555 and reclaimed Delhi after defeating the successors of Sher Shah. His return marked the re-establishment of the Mughal Empire, which would later be greatly expanded by his son Akbar.
Humayun died in 1556 after falling from the stairs of his library in Delhi. Though his reign was unstable, he laid the groundwork for the empire's future success. His son Akbar would go on to become one of the greatest emperors in Indian history.
Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, commissioned by his wife Hamida Banu Begum, is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"In every difficulty, patience is the strongest shield." Attributed to Humayun